Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-06-15
HILL AND CLEVELAND
THERE is NOT THE LEAST ANTAGONIST
BETWEEN THEM
An Independent View Of As Political Siua6Oa in New
YGk-Ths Strength Of the Labor Party the
Unknown Quantity thai Puzzles the
Calculating Politicians 81

cnlaIBcu anu EcuOtdtcu E4AcCutiNo Mhu'
sion in this city, and the prospective visit
of Governor Hill to President Cleveland si
the White House, brings up certain political
matters that may be Of interest even in
these warm summer days.
1t is evident to all close observers Of po-
litical events in this part Of the country
that Governor Hill is not himself antago-
nizing the prospects Of President Cleve-
land. He is altogether too much Of q pol
tician to bring on fight with the Execu-
tive OF the Nation who has so many ad-
vantages at his command.
Whatever Governor Hill might have had
In mind two years ago, at the time when
there were some Democrats who felt that
the President was not enough of a parti-
san, and when Governor Hill announced
that he himself was Democrat of the old
school, it is certain that Governor Hill
to-day does not dream of making any fight
against the President, or to 90 50 Gar as to
secure delegation in his favor TO the
National Convention of the Democratic
party. The same election, in November,
1888, will not only decide who shall be
President of the United States, but also
who shall be the next Governor Of the
State Of New York.
The indications are that Governor Hill
would prefer to have another term as Gov
ernor and to run his chances Of the Presi-
dency later than he would to antagonize
the President now and perhaps receive
nothing at all in return for such rash
venture. In the meeting Of these two
prominent men, for three or four hours
only there was really nothing upon which
to base the theory Of antagonism outlined
above; or any other theory which points
to contest between the President and the
Governor.
IT Is NOT AT ALL PROBABLE
that these two gentlemen talked upon the
subject Of politics in any way while they
were together. Nothing can be gathered
from those who were with them all Of the
time to show that such subject was in
their minds at all. II they had any such
talk, they were certainly discreet enough
to keep it from the public. The fact Of
the matter is that both political parties in
the State of New York are in condition
of the most extreme anxiety. Laugh at
the matter as much as we may, the fact
still remains that the Henry George move
ment of last fall, by which nearly 10000
votes, or third of the whole, were cast in
the city Of New York, was most startling
disclosure to the politicians.
When the Legislature opened each side
of the House tried to see which would be
the first to introduce q measure giving to
the Henry George party proportion of the
Inspectors OF Election in the metropolis.
Because the Speaker happened to be Re-
publican, it was Republican who was
fortunate enough to secure his recognition,
and to introduce bill to the above effect.
Nearly all of the Democrats fell in line and
supported the bill; but some of them op-
posed it. Even the Albany Argus went so
far as to denounce the bill as an imposition
upon the people of the City Of New York.
II was expected by the Republicans that
Governor Hill would not sign the bill and
that they would have the credit with the
Henry George people for doing all that
could be done. This would help the Re-
publicans; and, as they thought, hurt Gov.
Hill. But Governor Hill disappointed
them. He conceded the justice Of the
claim that party which could poll so
many votes was entitled to some repres-
entation among the inspectors. Therefore
he signed the bill; although he, apd many
of the Republicans, too, thought that II
was not quite right TO allow such repres-
entation unless the party showed signs Of
having more staying qualities. ,r-
BoTHERs ALL THE POLITICIANS.
This latter is Just the point which both
ers the politicians of all kinds. They do
not know-Democrats, Republicans, Pro-
hibitionists or any other-whether the
Henry George people have come to stay,
or whether they have merely made dis
play of their strength, showing the biggest
end first If they could once settle this
question among themselves, they might
be able to meet the issues which are COM
ing and divide up the offices by deals
among themselves, by which very few Of
the Henry George people could possibly be
elected. Not that the Henry George peo-
pie stand very much chance Of electing
their men in many localities, but if the
politicians could only discern their move
ments beforehand they might be able TO
elect TO Office men who would be most
subseryient to their ends. But the situa-
ton bothers them. They do not know
in the city of New York just how many Of
that 6s, 600 votes of November, 1885, viii
be cast in the coming November, or in
November, 1888, for the labor candidate.
Hence they are anxious because they are
all at sea-
At the same time, the politicians who
are strongly Republican are very much In
doubt about the strength Of the prohibi-
ton movement The Legislature that has
lust closed has done no credit TO its party
50 Car rs liquor or anti-liquor Legislation Is
concerned. A great deal Of flourish OF
trumpets was made over high license and
high tax on liquor because IL was known
that Governor Hill would sign no such
measures. The result Of the matter is that
the Republicans not only did not gnn
ground among the Prohibitionists, bat
they even lost ground in that direction
from which they expected To gain the most
votes. Therefore, while the Democratic
politicians more particularly are anxious
about the labor vote, the Republicans are
quite as anxious A. 10 the Prohibition vote.
This state of things adds TO that glorious
uncertainty which marks thepolitical stu
alton OF New York at the present time.
TIE MOST INTERESTING YEATURE.
There are not wanting certain Repabli'
can prophets who declare that President
Cleveland will not consent 70 be . canhi.
date il he finds that the labor vote Is goiDg
TO be east in an independent way during
the fall of 1888.
The result Of the coming campaign IN
this State, in November next will show
very plainly what Is likely TO be done
year hence. II the Labor party runs 10
own candidates for the State Offices and
the legislature, such action on their par
cannot help beneftting the Repablicans
Therefore the Republicans are working
with all their might TO help such move
ment. But il, as Is likely 70 prove ~
case. the Labor vote IS largely nnder tn
control Of Governor Hill, the chances an
| that the labor men will run very few can
didates Of their own, bat viii rather en-
dcrse those candidates Of the two prevail
| ing parties which are the most acceptable
to them. In sueh case they might choos
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